Unfortunately, people often miss early red flags of lung cancer—but early diagnosis can go a long way.
Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., right after skin cancer. It is responsible for about 1 out of every 5 cancer-related deaths. The American Cancer Society predicts that over 127,000 people will pass away from it this year.
The reason why lung cancer is often discovered too late for effective treatment is because the early signs of the disease are usually not noticed or they don’t show up at all.
Dr. Amna Sher, who is a doctor that specializes in treating cancer, explains that many patients don’t show signs of lung cancer unless it has spread or affected important parts of the body.
Finding and treating lung cancer early can greatly improve a person’s chances of getting better. For example, for the most common type of lung cancer, called non-small cell lung cancer, which includes different types like adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma, the chance of living for at least five more years is 65 percent if it’s found early and hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. But if it spreads to nearby areas like the lymph nodes, the chances drop to 37 percent. And if it spreads even farther, like to the brain, the chances are only 9 percent.
Here’s the main point: If lung cancer is found early, there are more ways to treat it, and the chances of getting better are higher. Dr. Xiuning Le, who is an expert in cancer treatment, stresses how crucial it is to discover lung cancer as soon as possible.
But how can you do that? Doctors have talked about signs of lung cancer that are often missed early on, and they’ve also shared what to do if you’re worried about it.
CONTENTS
- The No. 1 Early Sign of Lung Cancer People Miss
- Why People Often Write Off a Chronic Cough
- Other Signs of Lung Cancer That Are Easy To Miss
- How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
- How Is Lung Cancer Treated?
- What Should You Do if You’re Concerned About Lung Cancer?
- Sources
The No. 1 Early Sign of Lung Cancer People Miss
A persistent or worsening cough is a commonly missed early sign of lung cancer, says Dr. Sher.
Dr. Sher advises that if someone has a new or ongoing cough that lasts for several weeks or months, especially if they have a history of smoking or are at higher risk, they should get it checked out. For instance, if you took antibiotics but you’re still coughing after two months, it’s important to see a doctor.
Dr. Sher mentions that doctors frequently encounter patients with long-lasting coughs. If an X-ray shows something unusual, they will look further into what might be causing the problem.
Why People Often Write Off a Chronic Cough
Dr. Le and another expert say that a long-lasting cough is a sign of lung cancer that can be overlooked. One reason is that chronic coughs often resemble symptoms of other illnesses, especially in people who are more likely to get lung cancer, like smokers.
Dr. Brett Bade, who is a doctor specializing in lung health, explains that most cases of lung cancer are connected to a history of smoking. Smoking increases the risk of both lung cancer and lung diseases. Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also lead to a long-lasting cough and difficulty breathing. Because of this, people might think their symptoms are due to their lung disease or past smoking habits.
In simpler terms, some patients might be so used to coughing that they think it’s normal for them. Even people who haven’t smoked or had lung problems in the past might assume a lingering cough is from something less serious. Dr. Sher explains that they might think it’s just a regular cold or virus, possibly seasonal. People with allergies or those around kids, who tend to get sick often, might also attribute the cough to that and not realize it could be something more serious.
Other Signs of Lung Cancer That Are Easy To Miss
Dr. Bade points out that it’s easy to miss other early signs of lung cancer because the lungs don’t have many pain sensors. So, most symptoms come from the tumor affecting nearby organs or structures. For example, if the tumor affects the airway, it can lead to difficulty breathing. Likewise, if the tumor spreads to a bone, that particular bone can become painful.
Dr. Bade says that other common signs of lung cancer a patient may not recognize include:
- Fatigue
- Hoarse voice
- Chest pain
- Bone pain
- Reduced appetite
- weight loss
How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?
Doctors will take a small sample from the affected area to confirm if it’s lung cancer. This is called a biopsy.
Dr. Bade says that common places for biopsies are the lungs, lymph nodes in the neck or chest, or taking fluid from around the lungs. If other organs are affected, the doctor might suggest getting a biopsy from those areas. For instance, this could include the liver, adrenal gland, or a bone.
How Is Lung Cancer Treated?
Dr. Le says several factors determine a patient’s lung cancer treatment plan, mainly:
- The type of lung cancer
- The cancer’s stage
- Genetic and immunological features of the specific patient’s lung cancer
Dr. Le explains that surgery, radiation, and different types of therapies can be successful treatments for lung cancer. These therapies include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Each type has various specific drugs.
Your medical team will help you decide on the best option for your unique situation.
What Should You Do if You’re Concerned About Lung Cancer?
Talk to your doctor.
Dr. Le emphasizes that spotting signs early and getting treatment promptly is crucial for better chances of surviving lung cancer. If you notice new symptoms or think you might qualify for lung cancer screening, talk to your doctor about it.
Dr. Le explains that surgery, radiation, and different types of therapies can be successful treatments for lung cancer. These therapies include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Each type has various specific drugs.
Your medical team will help you decide on the best option for your unique situation.
What Should You Do if You’re Concerned About Lung Cancer?
Talk to your doctor.
“Early recognition and early treatment is the key to longer lung cancer survival,” Dr. Le says. “If you have new symptoms or suspect you are eligible for lung cancer screening, you should discuss it with your doctor.”
Sources
- Amna Sher, MD, a medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer Center.
- Xiuning Le, MD, PhD, a V Foundation clinical scholar at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Brett Bade, MD, the director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at Northwell Lung Insitute in New York
SOURCE:PARADE